Converse of object

• stimulate: In order to whet your appetite, some issues are set out below which, it is hoped, will stimulate debate.

• provoke: It is certain to provoke debate and discussion, not least about how and why certain films enter the nation's consciousness.

• spark: Page 8: We go live: browse our new web site; Prodi speech sparks web debate on EU's future.

• inform: The research proposed here will inform debates on the effectiveness of these changes.

• initiate: Member for Manchester, Withington initiated the debate and we have only 30 minutes for it.

• stifle: Melanie Phillips argues that the purpose of Labor's attack is to " stifle debate " .

Adjective modifier

• lively: There then followed some lively debate about the differences.

• heated: Carnivore has been the subject of heated debate over the past year.

• parliamentary: However, MSPs are still able to speak in any language in parliamentary debates.

• informed: It seeks to foster detailed research and informed debate on international conflict, both historical and contemporary.

• ongoing: There is an ongoing debate about whether the Scottish criminal law should be codified.

• public: The public debate in the UK is very limited.

Preposition: on

• forum: Click here to join in the debate on the club forum.

• motion: There will be a debate on an Opposition motion in the name of the Liberal Democrats.

Modifies a noun

• rage: But debate rages as to what qualities the winning play should have.

Noun used with modifier

• adjournment: Indeed, I raised the issue during an Adjournment debate in Westminster Hall last month.

• abortion: The ethical issues surrounding therapeutic cloning are similar in some ways to the abortion debate; that is when does personhood start?